Photo Credit: Fulani Jabri for CONTROLLERISE
MEET WALLY SPARKS
A Chattanooga,TN native now based in Atlanta, GA, DJ Wally Sparks is a veteran DJ, music curator, and cultural architect with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Known for his seamless fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and Southern rap, Wally has built a legacy through his electrifying live performances, brand collaborations, and contributions to recorded music.
As the tour DJ and music director for former Def Jam recording artist Big K.R.I.T., Wally has brought his signature sound to audiences worldwide, appearing on national television platforms such as Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Fuse TV, and BET’s 106 & Park. His festival credits include ONE Musicfest, SXSW, Bonnaroo, AFROPUNK, ACL Festival, A3C, Splash! (Germany), Royal Arena (Switzerland), and more.
Since 2014, Wally has also served as the featured tour DJ for Art, Beats + Lyrics, a groundbreaking national touring exhibition that blends visual art, music, and culture.
Beyond the stage, Wally has built an impressive portfolio of brand partnerships, providing DJ services for Fortune 500 companies such as Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and Intel, as well as leading spirits brands like Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Crown Royal, Courvoisier, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Red Bull, and Miller-Coors. His work extends to lifestyle brands including Aloft Hotels, Soho House Nashville, Cornerstone Promotion, Serato, and Nextdoor.
In addition to his work as a touring DJ, Wally is the creator and curator of Twankle & Glisten, a high-energy, DJ-driven dance party that celebrates the legacy of Southern hip-hop and R&B. Debuting in 2024, the event has become a must-attend experience, featuring world-renowned DJs and nostalgic music selections that transport audiences to the golden era of Southern rap. With its success, Twankle & Glisten is expanding into new markets and formats, making waves as a premier nightlife brand.
Wally’s expertise extends into the studio, having contributed scratching and turntablism to recordings by Big K.R.I.T., Spree Wilson, and The Foreign Exchange. Most recently, his work can be heard on "The Grey", a 2024 single by The Foreign Exchange, celebrating the group's 20th anniversary. His deep musical knowledge and technical skill continue to shape the sound and culture of contemporary hip-hop and R&B.
With over a decade of mixshow experience, Wally Sparks has also made his mark on terrestrial and satellite radio, spinning for platforms such as Hip Hop Nation (Sirius XM), WJTT, WBFA, WRVZ, and WKPO.
Recently, Wally expanded his role as a cultural educator, teaching a DJ masterclass, participating in a Q&A session on life as a professional DJ and the history of Southern rap at Colgate University alongside Dr. Aaron Dial and performing a DJ set of classic Southern rap.. His passion for music extends beyond performance, as he continues to educate and inspire future generations of DJs, artists, and music lovers
“Different events have different circumstances,” Wally says. “The key to connecting with an audience is tapping into their emotions in a visceral way. When I DJ, my goal is to create a moment where the entire room is singing a song they haven’t heard in years—out loud, in unison. That’s the mark of a truly unforgettable night.”